Button down as Schu storms Silverstone

Jenson Button fears BAR may have hit their peak following a British Grand Prix which left all within the team bitterly disappointed.

The pre-race hype surrounding Button failed to match the reality of the events which transpired at Silverstone as the 24-year-old could only finish fourth.

That was nothing to do with Button himself for, as he conceded after the race, he drove his heart out. Instead, it was more to do with the fact the car has seemingly gone off the boil.

Up until recently, BAR had stunned all in the paddock with their pace and performance, coming from virtually nowhere last season to this year prove a test for the all-conquering Ferraris.

But in the space of just a week and two races, incorporating the French Grand Prix at Magny Cours, Button has picked up just nine points while team-mate Takuma Sato has wound up with nothing.

Anxious times

Button is understandably a little anxious, particularly as Ferrari go from strength to strength, while McLaren are showing signs of a dramatic improvement with Kimi Raikkonen on pole on Saturday before a season's best second-placed finish behind Michael Schumacher.

"We've dropped back a bit compared to Ferrari and obviously McLaren," reflected Button.

"I don't know if we have dropped off or other people have improved. I can't see that we have taken a step backwards, so I think it's more to do with other people having improved their cars throughout the year.

"It seems other people are making bigger steps forward than we are and that's something we need to look at and improve our car. It's clearly a lot more competitive now.

"We have to make that step forward, but first look at the reasons why we haven't been able to. I'm sure we'll have a good talk and come to some conclusion.

"It would appear we are just struggling with very low grip. It's not a balance issue, it's a car issue we need to sort out sooner rather than later, otherwise in the next few races we are going to be losing a lot of points to McLaren.

"They are getting fast now. I knew after Magny Cours they were going to be quick here [Silverstone] because it was the first race with the new car and they did a very good job.

"They were very consistent throughout this race, and Kimi had a good one, whereas we seemed to drop off as there was more rubber laid on the circuit."

Team principal David Richards attempted to mask the situation by the fact BAR had improved their lot in the drivers' and constructors' championships due to Renault failing to pick up a point.

Fernando Alonso finished 10th, while Jarno Trulli remarkably emerged unscathed from a 150mph smash which left his car a wreck.

Button is now seven points clear of Trulli in cementing third place behind the Ferrari duo of Schumacher and Rubens Barrichello, while BAR have closed the gap on Renault to 12 points as they chase second, with the Maranello marque virtually home and dry in their pursuit of a sixth straight constructors' title.

"We came here with the objective of securing a podium and it's obviously disappointing for both the team and all the British fans we weren't able to deliver on our ambition," said Richards.

"But it was a very solid performance from Jenson and we improve our position in both championships, so from that point of view it's all right."

Engine upgrade

BAR are to test a new engine upgrade and aerodynamic package in Jerez this week, the last opportunity for teams to try out any developments before a testing ban is imposed, with the hope the improvements will move BAR onto the next level.

"Put those two things together and hopefully you will see another step change, so two weeks' time in Hockenheim we will see," added Richards.